After performing for some time in the Boston underground, the duo, known at the time as God Complex, released their first single in 1996 to critical acclaim. This lead to the release of the Rebel Alliance LP, a compilation of Boston talent that featured acts such as Virtuoso, Mr. Lif, Tony Infamous and Force Five. Also at this time the two dropped the God Complex moniker becoming simply 7L & Esoteric.
This Way Out
7L & Esoteric Lyrics
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Vocals eat flesh, like mesh
Puttin' holes up in ya weak chest
Ya gotta check this
I take ya necklace, leave you neckless
Respect this, it's back to basics
I come through in an A-6
You come through in Asics
I didn't know they made 'em
You couldn't fade spit a def rhyme if you spit my verbatim
Cadillac frank with the baddest bank
All I do is rip crews, hit booze and hit snooze
Fuck around with this and catch a quick bruise
You make about as much sense spittin' ya venom
As a cotton sweatshirt that says Nautica denim
Fuck battlin' cats I'm Jim, Abbottin' cats
Which means single handedly, I'm embarassin' cats
I'm rappin' in a certain way, crack ya vertebrae
And spittin' sweet sixteens like it's ya birthday
I blow green like Jimmy Cliff, but never hit the spliff
The shit I spit'll put ya whip in a fit
Straight airin' out cats like doormats
I've been underground as long, as these civil war cats
My closet, looks like I have five brothers
Cause everything I have yo I have in five colors
Raps I'm-pair ya brain, clear the lane
My diamond aeroplane'll put the fear in the game
Got the deafest cats out there hearin' my name
Rockin' raincoats to nice to wear in the rain
I crack your commercial raps over ya head
Now your One Twelve got a Jagged Edge
You sound wack if Marly Marl produced you
And our business is chews crew it's new school
The lyrics to 7L & Esoteric's song "This Way Out" create an intense and aggressive tone through the use of vivid imagery and clever wordplay. Esoteric boasts about his skills as a rapper, claiming that his vocals are powerful enough to literally "eat flesh." He also takes shots at other rappers who he views as inferior, mocking their fashion choices and flow. Esoteric's words are meant to intimidate and establish his dominance in the world of hip-hop.
Beyond the surface level, however, these lyrics also reveal a deeper commentary on the nature of rap music and the culture surrounding it. Esoteric's references to "fake shits" and "commercial raps" suggest that he sees the industry as corrupted by inauthenticity and a lack of substance. His refusal to smoke weed - a common trope in rap music - further emphasizes his desire to stand out and be true to himself. Overall, "This Way Out" is a powerful statement about what it means to be a genuine and skilled rapper in a world that is often driven by hype and superficiality.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the E-S, take a deep breath beat death
I, Esoteric, am the one rapping on this track, and I'm urging listeners to take a deep breath and prepare for some intense lyrics.
Vocals eat flesh, like mesh
My style of rapping is ferocious, and my vocals will consume you like a mesh net capturing prey.
Puttin' holes up in ya weak chest
My lyrics are so powerful that they'll leave you feeling exposed and vulnerable.
Ya gotta check this
You have to pay attention to what I'm saying because it's important.
I take ya necklace, leave you neckless
If you try to challenge me or step to me in any way, I'll take everything you have, including your life.
Respect this, it's back to basics
I'm reminding listeners that hip hop started with raw, gritty lyrics and beats, and that's what I'm bringing back with this song.
I come through in an A-6
I ride in style, not only in terms of my music, but also my personal life.
You come through in Asics
You, on the other hand, are wearing cheap, generic shoes.
Not the real ones the fake shits
And even the shoes you're wearing aren't the real deal.
I didn't know they made 'em
I'm expressing disbelief that such low-quality shoes even exist.
You couldn't fade spit a def rhyme if you spit my verbatim
Even if you tried to mimic my style and lyrics exactly, you still wouldn't be able to measure up.
Cadillac frank with the baddest bank
I am living large, with a fancy car and plenty of money.
All I do is rip crews, hit booze and hit snooze
My life is dedicated to making music, partying, and sleeping.
Fuck around with this and catch a quick bruise
If you try to mess with me or my crew, you'll end up getting hurt.
You make about as much sense spittin' ya venom
Your attempt at rapping is pointless and nonsensical.
As a cotton sweatshirt that says Nautica denim
You're as mismatched and misguided as a sweatshirt stamped with a brand name it doesn't even represent.
Fuck battlin' cats I'm Jim, Abbottin' cats
I'm not interested in battling other rappers; instead, I'm focused on annihilating them with my rhymes.
Which means single handedly, I'm embarassin' cats
I'm so skilled at rapping that I can take on other rappers without any assistance and still come out on top.
I'm rappin' in a certain way, crack ya vertebrae
My style of rapping is so impactful that it can cause physical harm, like cracking your vertebrae.
And spittin' sweet sixteens like it's ya birthday
My flow is so smooth and effortless that it's like a perfect birthday party.
I blow green like Jimmy Cliff, but never hit the spliff
I may rap about smoking marijuana, but I personally don't partake.
The shit I spit'll put ya whip in a fit
My lyrics are so potent that they can cause your car's engine to malfunction.
Straight airin' out cats like doormats
I'm dominating the rap game and crushing other rappers like they're doormats.
I've been underground as long, as these civil war cats
I've been working hard and building my rap career for as long as other underground rappers who gained popularity during the Civil War years.
My closet, looks like I have five brothers
I have an extensive wardrobe with clothes in every color and style, so much so that it looks like I have five brothers with their own distinct wardrobes.
Cause everything I have yo I have in five colors
I like to stay versatile with my fashion choices, and purchase everything in multiple colors.
Raps I'm-pair ya brain, clear the lane
My lyrics are so complex and intricate that they will literally pair with your brain and take over your thoughts.
My diamond aeroplane'll put the fear in the game
My success and wealth will intimidate other rappers and make them afraid to challenge me.
Got the deafest cats out there hearin' my name
Even people who are hard of hearing are aware of me and my music.
Rockin' raincoats to nice to wear in the rain
I'm so successful and wealthy that I can afford to wear expensive clothes that aren't even practical for the weather.
I crack your commercial raps over ya head
I'm not a fan of shallow, commercialized rap, and I will make fun of any rapper who produces it.
Now your One Twelve got a Jagged Edge
I'm making a pun on two different R&B groups, One Twelve and Jagged Edge, to imply that my insults have rendered your music career jagged and rough around the edges.
You sound wack if Marly Marl produced you
Your music is so bad that even a legendary producer like Marly Marl wouldn't be able to improve it.
And our business is chews crew it's new school
The rap game is constantly evolving, and my crew and I are at the forefront of this new wave of hip hop.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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